International Students

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Transfer Out

If you have been admitted to another university in the United States, you may be eligible to transfer your F-1 SEVIS record to the new school.

If your SEVIS record is transferred to a new school:

the I-20 from the new school will have the same SEVIS number as your UA I-20

you are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee for your new I-20

you can remain in the United States between the end of classes at the UA and the beginning of classes at the new school

When to Apply

Your eligibility to transfer your SEVIS record to a new school depends, in part, on when you would like to transfer. In all cases, you must continue to maintain your F-1 immigration status at the UA until the date your SEVIS record is transferred to the new school.

Between Semesters

Submit your request to ISS before the start of the semester or term you will begin your new program

Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the last day you attended classes at UA

Your record will not be released until the last day of final exams for the semester

If your record has not been transferred and the fall/spring semester at UA has already started, then you will be expected to enroll full-time at the UA

If you have on-campus employment, your work authorization will end the date that your SEVIS record is transferred to the new school

After the First Day of the Fall or Spring Semester

Only an option if your new program starts before the end of the current semester at the UA

You must remain enrolled full-time at the UA and continue to attend classes until the date your SEVIS record is transferred to the new school

Review the Bursar’s Office Dates and Deadlines to find out the last day you can withdraw from the UA and still receive a full refund

After Graduation

Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the last day you attended classes at the UA

Your SEVIS record must be transferred to the new school before the end of the 60-day grace period following your degree completion or program end date on the I-20, whichever is earlier

During OPT

Your record can be transferred before your OPT has ended or during the 60-day grace period after your OPT has ended

Classes at your new school must begin within 5 months of the day your record is transferred or the end date of your OPT (whichever is earlier)

If you transfer your record before your EAD card expires, then you will lose any remaining days of OPT work authorization

Select a transfer release date so you do not accrue too many days of unemployment (limit is 90 days for students on post-completion OPT and 150 days for students on STEM OPT extension)

How to Apply

Upload a copy of your new school's admissions letter and (if applicable) transfer in form to the Transfer Out e-form in UA International. Normal processing time is 5 business days.

Students with Terminated Records

It is extremely uncommon for schools to accept transferred records in terminated status. If your SEVIS record has been terminated, or you have been notified that your record will be terminated, then you are not eligible for a SEVIS transfer, unless your new school provides written confirmation to ISS that they want us to transfer your record in terminated status. You should contact the international student advisor at your new school to find out the steps to reestablish your F-1 status.

Travel

After your record is transferred to the new school, your UA I-20 will no longer be valid. If you will travel outside the U.S. after your record has been transferred, you must re-enter the U.S. with the I-20 from the new school.